The 11-day 2nd Cosmos (Nraipa) cum Lekie Cai Ngyi concluded at Peletkie Village in Peren district on October 20, with more than 10,000 visitors registered during the festival, according to the organisers.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Robin, who attended the closing programme as guest of honour, commended the organisers for initiating the festival, which showcased the village’s blooming cosmos flowers, organic produce and traditional practices, particularly Lekie Cai, the traditional salt-making process.
Robin said the festival provided an opportunity for younger generations to learn about traditional salt-making, noting that many youths were unfamiliar with the process. He said such initiatives helped preserve traditional knowledge and promote cultural understanding.
Emphasising community participation, Robin urged villagers to maintain unity and extend warm hospitality to visitors from Nagaland and beyond. He also encouraged them to uphold and showcase positive habits and values.
Noting that the cosmos flowers would continue to bloom throughout October, Robin urged the youth to extend voluntary assistance to visitors who might continue to visit the village after the festival. He expressed hope that similar events would be organised in the future.
The organisers said many visitors could not be registered during the 11-day festival. Although the event has concluded, the village is expected to continue receiving visitors as the cosmos flowers remain in bloom.
The closing programme was compered by Kwetliabe Haisobe. Home evangelist of LMBMB, Kaisi Miliang, pronounced the invocation, while organising committee secretary Ngautube R. Zeliang delivered the opening address. Special numbers were presented by Suihakpe Miliang and InteuleNring.
Organising committee co-convenor Inkieng Chamlak delivered the closing remarks, while associate pastor of Lekie Baptist Church, Teiriesong Miliang, offered the benediction.
